OR XLII P1 #21: Report of Bvt. Brigadier General George N. Macy, 20th MA, commanding 1/1/II/AotP, December 9-10, 1864

Numbers 21. Report of Bvt. Brigadier General George N. Macy, Twentieth Massachusetts Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 9-10.¹

HDQRS. FIRST Brigadier, FIRST DIV., SECOND ARMY CORPS,
December 12, 1864

MAJOR: I respectfully submit a report of the part taken by my command in the late reconnaissance across Hatcher’s Run Ford:

Marched from camp, near Fort Fisher, at 6.30 a.m., 9th instant, down Vaughan road, preceded by cavalry. Met with no opposition until my skirmish line became engaged, near Hatcher’s Run Ford, with the enemy posted behind a work on opposite side of the run. The run being deep and much obstructed by fallen trees, the skirmish line was compelled to halt. Being ordered to cross the stream, I formed two companies Second New York Heavy Artillery near the ford, under command of Captain Armes, supported by two other companies Second New York Heavy Artillery, under command of Lieutenant Bliss, the whole supported by the remaining eight companies Second New York Heavy Artillery, under command of Major Hogg. At a signal from Captain Brown’s battery the assaulting party moved forward, under a sharp fire from the enemy, plunged into the stream, and a portion of them succeeded in gaining the opposite bank, the enemy flying at their approach. I would especially commend the gallantry of Major Hogg, who was the first to cross the run; also of Captain Armes and Lieutenant Bliss, who immediately followed Major Hogg. As fast as the troops could pass over they were formed by Captain Boyd, of my staff, behind the work holding the ford. I had directed Colonel Scott, with two companies Sixty-first New York Volunteers, to proceed ford, which was promptly done. Colonel Scott was then directed to send one company down the south bank of the run to a ford still

farther below, which he did. This position was maintained (the cavalry again came forward and passed to our front) until 2 p.m. December 10, when I received orders to withdraw. While making preparations to withdraw, the enemy attacked with vigor the cavalry support in my front opposite the ford. With the assistance of two companies of Sixty-first New York Volunteer Infantry the enemy were checked. At this time the cavalry withdrew and the enemy again advanced and were again, driven off, not without some close fighting, in which Colonel Scott, Sixty-first New York Volunteers, lost 13 men, captured and wounded, and gained as many from the enemy. Colonel Scott then withdrew and followed the brigade, then on the road back to camp. List of casualties has been already furnished. I would express great satisfaction with my entire command. The skirmishing was done by the One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain Stockton commanding, in a gallant manner, and with large loss, considering the number engaged.

I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. N. MACY,

Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.

Major W. R. DRIVER,

Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.

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